The 74-year-old's condition was believed to have worsened after he was admitted to hospital for a second time in a month earlier this week.

However, Pele's personal aide, Jose Fornos Rodrigues, said he was "completely fine" and the move was primarily to protect his privacy.

"He was uncomfortable with so many people coming. It'll be quieter now," Rodrigues said by telephone

The hospital later released a statement to confirm he has been moved to a special care unit.

"Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele) remains in hospital. To receive the best care he was transferred in order to be monitored in a special care unit," it read.

The three-time World Cup winner, and generally regarded as the best footballer of all time, is said to have contracted a urinary infection after undergoing surgery to remove kidney stones at the start of November.